Submit to Buildings Review for Buildings Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advance in Eco-Friendly Building Materials and Innovative Structures

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 November 2025) | Viewed by 30666

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Mojia Huang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Infrastructure Engineering, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
Interests: transmission tower structures; structural optimization design; numerical simulation; bridge structures; material microstructures; new energy sources; wind power generation; theoretical analysis of mechanics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Zhiwen Lan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Infrastructure Engineering, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
Interests: transmission tower structures; bridge structures; new energy sources; wind power generation; theoretical analysis of mechanics; experimental measurements
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Lei Zhang

E-Mail
Guest Editor

School of Architecture Engineering and Planning, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang 332005,China
Interests: transmission tower structures; high rise structures; slope engineering; underground structures; wind power generation structures

Dr. Tengfei Zhao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

College of City Construction, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China
Interests: insulation materials; transmission tower structures; theoretical analysis of mechanics; experimental measurements
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Green and environmentally friendly building materials and new structural designs play a significant role in the field of sustainable architecture. Their development can reduce environmental impacts, improve energy efficiency, and enhance indoor environmental quality, making them key components in achieving sustainable development goals and crucial for the sustainable development of the construction industry and society. This Special Issue highlights the forefront of environmentally friendly building materials and new structural designs, with a focus on exploring the development of sustainable architecture. It aims to reduce environmental impacts, promote energy efficiency, and explore alternative solutions to traditional materials and structural forms, such as green and environmentally friendly building materials, new structural forms, and improvements in their mechanical properties. These green and environmentally friendly materials and structural forms have promising prospects and can accelerate the transformation and upgrading of the construction industry. This Special Issue encourages researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers to adopt sustainable practices and promote positive change. By sharing groundbreaking research findings and facilitating collaboration, it contributes to creating a greener and more sustainable built environment.

Prof. Dr. Mojia Huang
Prof. Dr. Zhiwen Lan
Dr. Lei Zhang
Dr. Tengfei Zhao
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

structural optimization design FE numerical simulation of structures
new green building materials
green building design and application
innovation and application in bridge structures
mechanical issues in engineering structures
structural issues in power systems

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (13 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Other

25 pages, 4866 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research and Application of an Adaptive Rebound Displacement Compensation Device for Bridge Widening Structures

by Chunhua Rao, Risheng Zhu, Yeqi Liao, Kai Jiang, Tengfei Zhao, Fengying Xiao and Shuiping Fang

Buildings 2026, 16(3), 573; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16030573 - 29 Jan 2026

Viewed by 305

Abstract

To address the high bending stresses and potential structural failure risks caused by differential settlement at expansion joints during bridge widening projects of straight bridges, this paper proposes an “Adaptive Rebound Displacement Compensation Device”. Existing research primarily focuses on analyzing settlement patterns and passive control standards, with limited attention to active dynamic regulation. Notably, the bending stress induced by new pier settlements can reach 3–5 times that of vehicle loads, posing serious safety concerns. Through theoretical derivation, this study clarifies the relationship between superstructure loss of strength and factors such as pier settlement, device stiffness, friction coefficient, and L-shaped baffle angle, and a comprehensive design framework is established accordingly. Combining numerical simulations, laboratory tests, and field measurements from engineering practices, multiple validation approaches are employed. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed device can limit deck subsidence to 10–20% of pier settlement height, and experimental outcomes align closely with theoretical predictions. This device has been successfully implemented in a bridge widening project on a highway section in Jiangxi Province. It should be noted that all data presented in the paper are derived from finite element method (FEM) numerical simulations, and there are currently no on-site measurements of the device’s performance. FEM analysis indicates that the device demonstrates certain feasibility for practical engineering applications. Compared to scenarios without the installation of this device, bridge deck displacements can be reduced by approximately 16.5%. By enabling adaptive rebound through self-adjustment mechanisms for settlement compensation, this device significantly alleviates bending stresses at expansion joints, breaking through traditional passive control limitations. This study provides an innovative approach for actively controlling settlement differences in the widening of straight bridges, offering significant implications both at the theoretical and practical levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Eco-Friendly Building Materials and Innovative Structures)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3021 KB

Open AccessArticle

Nonlinear Analysis of Hybrid GFRP-Steel Reinforced Beam-Column Joints Under Cyclic and Axial Loading

by Asma Hadjadj, Abderrahmane Ouazir, Mansour Ouazir and Houcine Djeffal

Buildings 2026, 16(1), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16010072 - 24 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 657

Abstract

This study investigates the cyclic behavior of reinforced concrete beam–column joints strengthened with hybrid GFRP–steel reinforcement using nonlinear finite element analysis. Six hybrid configurations—defined by varying the percentage of the total longitudinal steel reinforcement area, in the beam, replaced with GFRP bars (0%, 20%, 25%, 33%, 50%, and 100%)—were evaluated in terms of load–displacement hysteresis, stiffness degradation, dissipated energy, and crack development. A multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) was employed to quantitatively compare the six configurations. The findings demonstrate the potential of partial GFRP substitution to enhance the seismic performance of reinforced concrete beam–column joints. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Eco-Friendly Building Materials and Innovative Structures)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2770 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Squeezed Branch Pile Capacity Under Combined Horizontal–Uplift Loading

by Tian Deng, Kun Peng, Panpan He and Zhaoji Hu

Buildings 2025, 15(21), 3906; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15213906 - 29 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 624

Abstract

This paper investigates the bearing behavior of squeezed branch piles and straight-shaft piles under uplift and combined horizontal–uplift loading in silty clay strata. Utilizing a combined approach of laboratory model tests and numerical simulation, the influence of key parameters, such as the depth of the first branch and branch spacing, on the bearing capacity was systematically analyzed. The results demonstrate that under combined loading, the bearing capacity of squeezed branch piles is significantly superior to that of straight-shaft piles, with double-branch piles outperforming single-branch piles. The bearing capacity increases with the depth of the first branch and the branch spacing, reaching its optimum when the first branch is buried at a depth of 6 d (where d is the straight-shaft pile diameter). This study also reveals a unique mechanical response under combined loading: the load–displacement curves exhibit a “smoothed” characteristic, rendering the traditional inflection point method unsuitable for determining the ultimate bearing capacity. Furthermore, a significant coupled weakening effect exists between horizontal and uplift forces. However, increasing the depth of the first branch (to 6 d) and the branch spacing can effectively mitigate this effect, enhancing the pile’s stability under complex loading conditions. This research provides a crucial basis for the optimized design and application of squeezed branch piles in complex loading environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Eco-Friendly Building Materials and Innovative Structures)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 4414 KB

Open AccessArticle

Model Test Study on Bearing Performance of Squeezed Branch Pile Under Combined Loads

by Tian Deng, Kun Peng, Hong Li and Zhaoji Hu

Buildings 2025, 15(21), 3817; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15213817 - 22 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 523

Abstract

This study investigates the mechanical performance of squeezed branch piles under combined loads (horizontal combined with uplift/compression) in silty clay through model tests. Based on a systematic comparison of the mechanical responses among straight-shaft piles, single-plate piles, and double-plate piles, the load-dependent behavior of branched piles is revealed, and optimized design principles are proposed. The results demonstrate that under horizontal combined loads, squeezed branch piles effectively mobilize soil-arching effects via the bearing plates, leading to significant enhancements in both horizontal and vertical-bearing capacities compared to straight-shaft piles. Double-plate piles exhibit superior overall deformation resistance due to composite confinement; however, an adverse superposition effect at a plate spacing of 2 d may result in a marginally lower capacity. The horizontal capacity of single-plate piles increases with embedment depth, with the axial force peaking at a critical depth of 4 d (embedment depth of first plate). The upper plate plays a dominant role in resisting deformation, consistently carrying 75–105% higher axial force than the lower plate. This research provides important theoretical support and practical references for the design of pile foundations subjected to complex loading conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Eco-Friendly Building Materials and Innovative Structures)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 5343 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sound Absorption and Thermal Insulation by Polyurethane Foams Reinforced with Bio-Based Lignocellulosic Fillers: Data and Modeling

by Batol Masruri, Ebrahim Taban, Ali Khavanin and Keith Attenborough

Buildings 2025, 15(19), 3590; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15193590 - 5 Oct 2025

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4640

Abstract

The acoustic, thermal, and mechanical performances of sawdust-reinforced polyurethane (PU) foam are investigated for different thicknesses and varying mesh sizes. Acoustic properties are explored using a combination of impedance tube testing and mathematical modeling with the Johnson–Champoux–Allard–Lafarge (JCAL) model, a simplified JCAL model and a model of non-uniform cylindrical pores with a log-normal radius distribution (NUPSD). Thermal Insulation and mechanical properties are determined by measuring the effective thermal conductivity (K_eff) and by tensile strength tests, respectively. Compared with pure PU foam, the presence of sawdust matches noise reduction coefficients (NRC) and increases sound absorption averages (SAA) by nearly 10%. Increasing thickness and width of backing air gap have the usual effects of improving low- and mid-frequency absorption and shifting resonance peaks toward lower frequencies. As well as superior acoustic performance, samples with Mesh 16 sawdust reinforcement provide both useful insulation (K_eff = 0.044 W/mK) and tensile strength (~0.06 MPa), confirming their multifunctionality. Although the JCAL model provides reasonable fits to the sound absorption data, some of the fitted parameter values are unphysical. Predictions of the NUPSD model are relatively poor but improve with sample thickness and after fiber addition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Eco-Friendly Building Materials and Innovative Structures)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 4298 KB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility Study of Waste Rock Wool Fiber as Asphalt Mixture Additive: Performance Test and Environmental Effect Analysis

by Bingjian Zeng, Ni Wan, Sipeng Zhang, Xiaohua Yu, Zhen Zhang, Jiawu Chen and Bin Lei

Buildings 2025, 15(12), 2022; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15122022 - 12 Jun 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1365

Abstract

To investigate the feasibility of utilizing waste rock wool fiber as an additive in asphalt mixtures for resource recycling, this study evaluates and analyzes the performance of asphalt and asphalt mixtures, as well as their environmental benefits. Initially, the properties and mechanisms of modified asphalt mortar are examined under different shapes (powdery rock wool fiber (RWP) and fibrous rock wool fiber (RWF)) and varying rock wool fiber contents (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% of matrix asphalt mass). Subsequently, the pavement performances of asphalt mixtures with different RWF contents (0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4% of asphalt mixture mass) are compared. The environmental and economic impacts of RWF-modified asphalt mixtures are assessed using the life cycle assessment (LCA) method and the benefit cost analysis (BCA) method. Finally, the carbon property ratio (CPR), an innovative index, is proposed. It comprehensively evaluates the pavement performances and economic benefits of RWF modified asphalt mixtures in relation to carbon emissions (CEs). The results indicate that compared to RWP, RWF primarily functions as an inert fiber stabilizer. It provides a physical reinforcing effect through its three-dimensional network skeleton structure. Both RWP and RWF-modified asphalts exhibit improved performance compared to matrix asphalt. RWF demonstrates superior temperature susceptibility and high temperature performance. The optimal contents for achieving the best high temperature, water stability, and low-temperature crack resistance performances of RWF-modified asphalt mixtures are 0.3%, 0.2%, and 0.2%, respectively. As the RWF content increases, the energy consumption (EC) and CEs during the pavement construction stage slightly rise within an acceptable range, while positive economic benefits also increase. Additionally, the CPR index can comprehensively assess the favorable effects of pavement performances or economic benefits against the adverse effects of CEs. It offers theoretical guidance for the design of optimal rock wool fiber content. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Eco-Friendly Building Materials and Innovative Structures)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 24664 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Thermal Conductivity of Graphite Composite Insulation Material for Building Insulation

by Ruhua Wang, Qianbin Yuan, Ze Zhang, Fei Zhang, Kecheng Zhao, Jian Xu and Tengfei Zhao

Buildings 2025, 15(5), 752; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15050752 - 25 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1532

Abstract

Global climate change has placed a heavy burden on the environment, with building energy consumption gradually emerging as a major environmental stressor. Therefore, energy conservation and emission reduction in buildings have increasingly become key issues of great concern. In regions with hot summers and cold winters, building envelope structures often use insulation materials to facilitate energy efficiency in buildings. Graphite composite insulation material (GCIM), a high-performance building insulation composite material, is composed primarily of graphite polystyrene particles (GPPs), glass microspheres (GMs), cement, and silica fume (SF). The thermal conductivity (TC) is an important parameter that affects its insulation performance. The volume ratios (VRs) of the material components will have a significant impact on its TC. However, there is currently a relative lack of theoretical research on the influencing factors of its TC, and its TC mechanism is not very clear. Therefore, a novel series-parallel alternate heat conduction theoretical model (SPAM) was established in this paper. The theoretical calculation expression for the TC of GCIM was derived using Fourier’s law of heat conduction. Through numerical simulation, three models comprising a total of 60 finite element (FE) models were constructed. The results of the numerical simulation were compared with theoretical calculations to further determine the influence of material component VRs on the TC of GCIM. The research results indicate that in the three established conventional models, the TC of GCIM decreases rapidly in the early stages and then stabilizes later, with a critical point at

\frac{Ψ_{1}}{Ψ_{2}} = \frac{Ψ_{1}}{Ψ_{4}} = 5

. Within the specified range of VR variations, the value of

\frac{Ψ_{1}}{Ψ_{2}}

has the greatest impact on the TC performance of GCIM, followed by

\frac{Ψ_{1}}{Ψ_{4}}

, while

\frac{Ψ_{1}}{Ψ_{3}}

has the smallest impact. The research findings will guide the material composition of the GCIM, reduce their TC, enhance their insulation performance, decrease building energy consumption, and hold high theoretical and practical value. This research will provide a theoretical reference basis for the widespread application of the GCIM in the field of building insulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Eco-Friendly Building Materials and Innovative Structures)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 6224 KB

Open AccessArticle

Automatic Calculation Method for Effective Length Factor of Bridge Piers Considering Shear Deformation

by Shuiping Fang, Chongjun Liu and Chun Zhang

Buildings 2025, 15(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15010046 - 26 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1998

Abstract

The effective length factor (ELF) of bridge piers, a critical design parameter, is determined by solving the transcendental equation governing stability. Efficient and accurate solutions to these equations under various constraints are essential for automating bridge design software. In this paper, the bridge pier is simplified as an elastically restrained column based on the Timoshenko beam model, and the pier stability equation under general elastic constraints considering shear deformation is derived. By analyzing the distribution patterns of the solutions to the transcendental equations with and without considering shear deformation, a novel two-stage Adaptive Sequential Root Search Method based on bisection algorithm (ASRSBM2s) is proposed to calculate the ELF. In the first stage, the smallest positive root of the transcendental equation without considering shear deformation is first calculated, and the obtained positive root is used to restrict the solution domain of the transcendental equation considering shear deformation in the second stage. Compared with the results of the finite element method (FEM), the proposed algorithm can accurately determine the correct roots of the transcendental equation for various bridge scenarios, and the maximum relative error of the calculated ELF of bridge piers is below 2.5%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Eco-Friendly Building Materials and Innovative Structures)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 4587 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Clay Characteristics for Printable Geo-Materials: A Case Study of Clay–Sand Mixes

by Stefanie Rückrich, Galit Agranati and Yasha J. Grobman

Buildings 2024, 14(6), 1576; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061576 - 29 May 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3069

Abstract

Extrusion-based 3D Construction Printing (3DCP) involves developing novel material mixtures that incorporate local geo-materials. Given that clay minerals and silt are major causes of soil variability, this study focuses on the fine fraction of soil to facilitate purpose-oriented design, classification, and standardization. We begin with an overview of current research in the field and general information about clays. Subsequently, we establish an evaluation methodology, examining various clay–sand mix ratios, along with locally sourced material to gain general insights into the material’s clay-dependent macro-printability characteristics. The findings are then correlated and discussed in relation to the microcharacteristics of the clays, emphasizing the significance of both intraparticle and interparticle swelling for strength and cohesiveness. Factors such as swelling ability, and charge, which may be reflected by pH, are pivotal for strength; while the quantity of clay and its interparticle swelling ability, denoted by the plasticity index (PI), delineate cohesiveness, which is essential for pumpability and extrudability. Furthermore, the presence of organic material and other minerals is observed to have a significant impact on these properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Eco-Friendly Building Materials and Innovative Structures)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 4128 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of Sargasso Seaweed as Lignocellulosic Material for Particleboards: Technical Viability and Life Cycle Assessment

by Afonso José Felício Peres Duran, Gabriela Pitolli Lyra, Luiz Eduardo Campos Filho, Cristiane Bueno, João Adriano Rossignolo, Cicero Alves-Lima and Juliano Fiorelli

Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1403; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051403 - 14 May 2024

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3715

Abstract

There have been beaching events of the marine alga pelagic sargassum in coastal regions of the Caribbean Sea, West African countries, and the north-northeast region of Brazil since 2011. Its presence has caused environmental and socioeconomic impacts while several studies were conducted in order to understand the causes of this phenomenon, as well as alternatives to mitigate its impacts. The objective of this research was to evaluate pelagic sargassum biomass from beaching as a raw material for the manufacture of medium-density multilayer particleboards, aiming for an application that can reduce the impacts generated by the disposal of this seaweed on beaches and landfills. These are composed of 30% sargassum particles in their inner layer and 70% sugarcane bagasse particles on their outer layers, which are bonded with castor-oil-based polyurethane resin. A physical and chemical characterization was carried out in order to evaluate sargassum particles while physical and mechanical tests were carried out in order to evaluate the panels. Results were subsequently compared with indications from different particleboard standards. A life cycle assessment was carried out to complement the feasibility study of these panels and to compare their different manufacturing processes. The multilayer panels met the minimum requirements for physical and mechanical properties established by regulations, indicating that the Sargassum spp. biomass can be used as filling. The life cycle assessment study indicates that sargassum panels produced in the Belém, PA, Brazil, region present lower environmental impacts in four of seven evaluated categories when compared to conventional panels. Given the results obtained, the use of sargassum from beaching events as raw material for panels can be presented as an alternative for reducing social, economic, and environmental impacts in the regions affected by these events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Eco-Friendly Building Materials and Innovative Structures)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 7594 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental and Finite Element Analyses of Adjustable Foundation Bolts in Transmission Towers

by Huajie Yin, Xianzhi Xiao, Zhi Huang, Tengfei Zhao and Mojia Huang

Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1357; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051357 - 10 May 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2112

Abstract

Uneven settlement of transmission tower foundations can result in catastrophic events, such as tower collapse and line failures, disrupting power transmission operations. To address the challenging repairs caused by uneven foundation settlement of transmission towers, we propose an adjustable foundation bolt (AFB). This paper provides a detailed theoretical analysis of the AFB’s stability and load-bearing capacity, including critical buckling force formulas and maximum normal stress expressions. Finite element simulations confirm the precision of our theoretical formulations. Additionally, we introduce a method using baffles to enhance its load-bearing capacity, analyzing the impact of different numbers of baffles through numerical simulations. The experimental results validate the effectiveness of baffles in enhancing structural load-bearing capacity. The device brings convenience and efficiency to the maintenance of transmission towers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Eco-Friendly Building Materials and Innovative Structures)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 16381 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Utilization of Crushed Corn Cob as a Sand Substitute in Portland Cement Mortars for Sustainable Construction

by Ana Torre, Sorin Ramirez, Isabel Moromi, Ladislao Basurto and Carmen Reyes

Buildings 2024, 14(3), 594; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030594 - 23 Feb 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 7661

Abstract

The utilization of mineralized sandy shredded corn cob (SCC) as a partial replacement for fine aggregate in Portland cement mortars (PM) presents an innovative opportunity for sustainable construction and organic waste reutilization. This study aims to assess the impact of SCC, with granulometric variations G1 and G2, on eight mortar formulations (PM, SCC-G1-5%, SCC-G1-10%; SCC-G2-5%, SCC-G2-10%, SCC-G2-15%, SCC-G2-20%, and SCC-G2-30%) with a consistent water-to-cement ratio of 0.55. Fresh-state properties (flowability, temperature, pH, unit weight, and setting time) and hardened-state characteristics (compressive strength at 4, 7, 14, and 28 days) were evaluated. Notably, flowability decreased by 90% for G2 designs with up to 15% SCC, unit weight decreased by up to 12% with SCC-G2-30%, setting time was delayed, and compressive strength for all SCC mortars up to 20% exceeded 21.9 MPa. In conclusion, the partial replacement of sand with a G2 particle-size distribution of SCC is feasible, with an optimal performance observed in SCC-G2-5%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Eco-Friendly Building Materials and Innovative Structures)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research

43 pages, 2413 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks for Sustainable Building Construction: A PRISMA-Guided Systematic Review and TCCM Analysis

by Swati Sinha, Jayaraman Sethuraman Sudarsan and Abhijat Arun Abhyankar

Buildings 2026, 16(8), 1633; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16081633 - 21 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1102

Abstract

Global interest in sustainable building materials is increasing due to growing concerns regarding the environmental impacts of conventional construction materials, particularly fired clay bricks. Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEBs) have emerged as a viable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable alternative for building construction. The incorporation of waste-derived additives in CSEBs not only addresses waste management challenges but also enhances the functional performance of earthen materials. This study presents a comprehensive synthesis of existing research on the influence of fibers, binders, stabilizers, and production processes on the performance characteristics of CSEBs. A systematic literature review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, resulting in the identification and analysis of 256 relevant studies. The selected literature was synthesized using the Theories, Contexts, Characteristics, and Methodologies (TCCM) framework to map research trends and methodological approaches. The review indicates that fiber reinforcement primarily improves flexural strength and thermal performance, while binders significantly enhance compressive strength and erosion resistance. The findings also demonstrate that selected waste materials can partially replace natural soil, provided minimum material and performance standards are satisfied. The study highlights the need for standardized manufacturing guidelines and testing protocols to improve the reliability, scalability, and wider adoption of CSEBs in sustainable building applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Eco-Friendly Building Materials and Innovative Structures)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advance in Eco-Friendly Building Materials and Innovative Structures

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (13 papers)

Research

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI